This Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing my first bat mitzvah. I got incredibly lucky - not only is she a beautiful, confident young woman, but her family was extremely helpful in guiding me through everything.

It was a beautiful ceremony. There was an unusual treat: No cameras allowed during the real deal, so I got to photograph the rehearsal (which I was free to interrupt, pause, and pose), and then to actually sit and enjoy the real ceremony. I love that there is an emphasis placed not only on spiritual growth, but also on working to improve this world in concrete, practical ways.

Following the ceremony was a reception with great food, great music (a live klezmer band!), and an opportunity to take a photo that I suspect every event photographer looks forward to taking at some point.

You know the one.

It was a great time, and it's something I hope I can do more of in the future.